News

Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi and Azam Khan help Desert Vipers conquer Gulf Giants

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

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Shaheen Afridi’s deadly spell of three wickets for 22 runs and breezy knocks from Wanindu Hasaranga and Azam Khan guided Desert Vipers to a six-wicket win over defending champions Gulf Giants in the seventh match of the DP World ILT20 Season 2 at the Dubai International Stadium. The clash of the finalists of the first edition saw Afridi’s spell restrict Giants to 160 for 6 in 20 overs.

Vipers won the match with eight balls to spare through Hasaranga’s 42 off just 19 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. He had put on 57 runs in 33 deliveries for the third wicket with Adam Hose. Afzal Khan then hit a breezy unbeaten 26 off 14 balls with three boundaries and a six. He too added 41 runs in 19 balls for the fourth wicket with Hose, who hit a sedate 39 runs off 35 balls with four boundaries. Vipers who were at the bottom of the table have now jumped to the fourth place.

For the Giants, Chris Lynn top scored with 63 runs off 42 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. He put on 89 runs off 59 balls for the third wicket with Jordan Cox before Afridi put the brakes on the run flow. Cox hit 32 off 29 balls with a boundary and a six.

Vipers won the toss and chose to bowl. In the opening over, Pakistan T20 skipper Afridi, making his tournament debut, conceded a boundary to Jamie Smith over mid-off off the fifth ball. Mohammad Amir took a wicket in the second over, dismissing skipper James Vince for 1 as he lifted the ball to Colin Munro at mid-on. Afridi also claimed a wicket in the third over, clean bowling Smith for 5 after a missed big hit.

Lynn wiped away the impact of two early wickets by scoring two boundaries and a six off Tymal Mills. Cox played second fiddle as Lynn went for the big hits. Lynn reached his half-century in 35 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. When the Giants were four runs short of the 100-run mark, Mills made Lynn miscue his shot, and wicketkeeper Azam Khan caught the skier for 63.

Shimron Hetmyer, who joined Cox, got out caught behind for 10 off Hasaranga. After that, Afridi picked his second wicket, forcing Cox to hit to Alex Hales at long-on for 32. Chris Jordan became Afridi’s third victim, falling identically for 14. Usman Khan hit an unbeaten 16 to ensure his team a challenging total.

Needing 161 to win, Vipers lost an early wicket when Richard Gleeson, who came in as Super Sub in place of Lynn, got Colin Munro out caught at third man for 6. Hales on 11 escaped being stumped off a Mujeeb Ur Rehman slider but fell in the seventh over to Dominic Drakes to a spectacular catch by Aayan Khan at the fine leg boundary for 21.

Hasaranga who joined Adam Hose hit Aayan Khan for two consecutive boundaries and also Jordan for a six and a boundary off successive balls. At the half way mark, Vipers needed 85 runs to win. Drakes picked the valuable wicket of Hasaranga in the 13th over by getting him caught by Usman Khan at long-off for 42.

Azam Khan unleased his hard-hitting skills and whacked Jordan for a six to mid-wicket followed by three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani in the 15th over. This reduced the target to a gettable 32 runs from the last five overs. Hose got out to Gleeson, caught behind for 39 but Sherfane Rutherford and Khan steered their team to the target.

Vipers skipper Colin Munro hailed Hasaranga and Afridi; “It was a team effort, winning the toss was a big favour. Hasaranga was just brilliant, what a player. When you come up against Gulf Giants, we need to have our plans in place. We have all the analysts in T20 cricket, but what’s most important is adapt to what is in front of you. Afridi was outstanding and has so much experience, he knows his skill and executes them really well.”

Giants skipper Vince lauded Hasaranga’s knock. “We started well with the ball, put the pressure on them, but the way Hasaranga came out and batted took the game away from us. We need to tidy up in all facets on the game. We can’t afford to have lull periods because quality opposition will make you pay.”

Player of the match Hasaranga said: “I bat at number 7 generally, but today I had a chance up the order so I tried to go on the attack. I like to have that all-rounder tag in front of my name, so happy to perform with the bat as well.”

News

From 104 minutes to 16: How new Dubai tunnel is set to change your daily commute

Published

57 mins ago

May 19, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Drivers in Dubai could soon experience dramatically shorter journeys as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the huge Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project is now 80 per cent complete.

Part of the wider Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, the development is expected to reduce travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.

One of Dubai’s biggest road projects

The giant tunnel project stretches approximately 1,650 metres, extending from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street.

Once completed, the project is expected to serve around one million people across several rapidly growing districts.

The tunnel includes:

Three lanes in each direction
Capacity for up to 12,000 vehicles per hour, both ways
Development of 15 major intersections

Areas set to benefit

The upgraded road network will improve connectivity to several key areas, including:

Dubai Islands
Waterfront Market
Dubai Maritime City
Port Rashid

Officials say the project is designed to support population growth and keep pace with rapid urban expansion across the emirate.

Round-the-clock construction

To meet the planned completion schedule in the fourth quarter of this year:

14 teams are working continuously on excavation support
Four additional teams are handling tunnel excavation works 24/7

Current excavation output stands at:

5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres daily
Expected to increase to 8,500 cubic metres in the next phase

Massive safety milestone reached

The RTA also revealed the project has been completed nearly:

Eight million work hours
With zero lost-time injuries reported

The workforce currently includes:

1,591 engineers, technicians and workers
221 machines and heavy equipment across sites

Tunnel inspired by Dubai’s skyline

Adding a creative touch to the infrastructure project, the inside of the tunnel will feature a mosaic mural designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor.

The artwork is inspired by banknote-style illustrations showcasing Dubai’s skyline, blending public art with urban engineering.

For commuters frustrated by heavy traffic, this project could eventually become one of the city’s most game-changing transport upgrades yet.

Health

Healthcare in the UAE is about to change forever under new national plan

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE is preparing for one of its biggest healthcare transformations yet after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the adoption of a comprehensive national healthcare system covering citizens across all emirates.

The new framework includes a fully integrated national health insurance scheme designed to guarantee access to medical care and health services for every citizen.

New era for healthcare

Officials said the move reflects the UAE leadership’s long-term vision of building an advanced healthcare sector focused on:

Universal healthcare access
Preventive medicine
Digital transformation
Innovation
Sustainable health services

The initiative aims to create a fully integrated healthcare model capable of improving efficiency, strengthening sector readiness and ensuring healthcare sustainability for future generations.

Focus on prevention and innovation

According to authorities, the system is designed around international best practices and modern healthcare standards, with strong emphasis on:

Public health
Smart digital health platforms
Long-term health outcomes
Resource efficiency across all emirates

Health is a national priority

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, described the directive as part of a national vision placing human health and quality of life at the centre of the country’s development journey.

He said the UAE continues advancing healthcare systems built on:

Prevention
Sustainability
Innovation
Expanded access to medical services

Integrated healthcare

Officials also highlighted that the UAE already operates through a strong federal and local healthcare model supported by:

Advanced medical infrastructure
Connected digital healthcare systems
Ongoing investment in healthcare quality and accessibility

The new healthcare system is expected to further strengthen integration between health services while improving resilience and long-term care outcomes for citizens at every stage of life.

News

Dubai Police energy drink warning: What parents need to know about viral trend

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Police has issued a serious warning about viral social media content encouraging people, especially children, to consume excessive amounts of energy drinks.

Officials from the Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigations said some online videos are chasing views and engagement without considering the potentially dangerous health consequences behind these trends.

Serious health risks highlighted

Dubai Police warned that excessive energy drink consumption can lead to major health complications, including:

Heart rhythm disorders
Convulsions
Loss of consciousness
Sudden cardiac arrest

Authorities also stressed that children may face additional risks, such as:

Poisoning
Stomach disorders
Increased anxiety and nervousness
Poor concentration and memory
Sleep problems
High blood pressure and rapid heart rate

Parents urged to monitor online content

Police are urging parents to closely monitor the content children consume online and to educate them about the dangers of blindly following social media trends.

Officials warned that many viral videos are created purely to gain views, likes and interaction, often without regard for public safety.

Report harmful content

Dubai Police called on the public to report any online content promoting dangerous behaviour or threatening community safety through:

The Dubai Police smart app
The official eCrime reporting platform
The non-emergency hotline 901

Awareness platform launched

As part of broader cyber safety efforts, Dubai Police also highlighted its electronic awareness platform, which guides users in both Arabic and English on: